This is my first post on this forum.

I just got off the phone with UHC in regards to having Vertical Sleeve. I was approved 8 days after the surgeon's office submitted the paperwork.

My insurance requirements

• 6 month physicians supervised diet.
• A visit with a bariatric psychologist

My surgeon also required the following

• sleep study
• A pre-op visit a bariatric dietitian along with a commitment for post-op follow ups
• Attend a support group meeting.

My insurance is a self funded large employer plan administered by UHC . The plan title is Choice Plus PPO.

According to my insurance card that I am looking at, I have the same insurance as you, and I keep getting refused for bariatric surgery, because they claim it is excluded. I am totally confused now!!!!

It depends on your employer, if your plan covers bariatric surgery. I have UHC Choice Plus too. I am not required to have a 6 month diet. They also do not require a psych evaluation but the surgeons office does. Plus I don't have to do the nurse counseling for six months through optum like most UHC customers. I just had to call and enroll in the bariatric resources services through optum.

According to my insurance card that I am looking at, I have the same insurance as you, and I keep getting refused for bariatric surgery, because they claim it is excluded. I am totally confused now!!!!

United Aetna and Cigna business is mostly self funded coverages. Meaning your employer buys their plan and customizes it to fit their needs of what they want to pay for. They can customize everything including the benefit and the requirements to get the surgery.

The employer pays for the actual services and an administration fee. No monthly premiums.

True insurance pays a monthly premium and you get a plan of coverage.